A Walk In The Woods

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Here in Michigan, we have snowmobile trails right outside our door, and Summer and I have been enjoying lots of early morning walks.

The trails are sandy and hilly in spots. So, I get to enjoy the beautiful scenery while getting in some daily movement.

Our first morning here, I met some runners participating in the Great Lakes Relay Race. Thoughts of Hood To Coast raced through my mind – such fun memories. I let the runners pass by, offering them a wave and an encouraging smile…

I love walking in the forests. It’s a blessing to have such beautiful nature nearby!

We have a lot of mountain forests around, and one of my favorite kinds of exercis is to go for a walk there. (It’s quite the slope to get and down, and after such a walk, my legs know very well what I’ve done. )

Yes, I am! You’re right, it’s rather hills than mountains … at least when it comes to height. *Actually*, though, the Odenwald (that’s how it’s called) is a low mountain range, and it’s very beautiful and almost entirely covered with forests. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odenwald) Wonderful for hiking, and I’m amazed you’ve been here!

Beautiful pictures I definitely agree! I mean, I do love a good gym sweat-sesh but I’m so much more motivated to go on hikes (I FINALLY managed to go hiking last weekend) or even just walk around in the suburbs as long as it’s outside & I’m walking somewhere.

It’s sooo so beautiful and serene there. You must be loving the quiet atmosphere and natural beauty. I refuse to workout indoors also, it’s been so long! I’ve started doing body weight exercises on a playground to mix it up!

Nature is also my favourite gym!! I run sometimes in the hills and enjoy it so much, even if it’s hard sometimes! I saw it on another blog, check this out: http://www.amandarussellworkouts.com/node/36
Have fun with the hills!

Nature is totally totally TOTALLY my favorite gym too. Whether it’s running (just ran for 75minutes north of my city in Provence — lots of sunflower fields, old terracotta-roofed houses, wildflowers along dirt roads, golden wheat, etc.), hiking, mountain climbing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, skating on ponds, snowshoeing, or camping. I’m down for all of it. so much more fun than a smelly crowded gym. Although that can work too, when nature isn’t so readily available.

CH,
“just ran for 75minutes north of my city in Provence — lots of sunflower fields, old terracotta-roofed houses, wildflowers along dirt roads, golden wheat, etc”…how will you ever be able to run on a treadmill again?!?

What beautiful nature pictures! Glad you and the fam are having a great time in Michigan I’m with you sister– why be on a exercise machine when you can be outside enjoying the great outdoors instead? The exact reason I won’t buy a gym membership

xoxo ps – your coffee and chocolate breakfast totally perked me up! I just had dark chocolate with my chicken dinner because going to the store for salad vegetables seemed like too much of an ordeal. Why not?!

Heather…beautiful shots! I love the reflection shot of you holding your camera!

And nature is my gem, too. I always say I’d rather walk or run for 10 minutes outside in 110F temps or in -40F temps if it means being OUTDOORS and not inside on a treadmill or a piece of gym equipment. There is just something magical about being outside in nature. I HAVE to have it. No matter what and will brave the elements.

Good thing San Diego weather is “perfect”. I moved here I swear and redesigned my life so that I could be outdoors year round and not suffer like I did growing up!

Kelly,
Um, I’m kind of obsessed with carriers. I have a ring sling from SleepingBaby.net. It was great for when Summer was tee-tiny and now I use it as a hip carrier for when I’m doing stuff around the house and she wants to be held or when I’m shopping. For walks I loved my Babyhawk.com Mei Tai carrier, and now that’s she’s a bit bigger, I use the Ergo Sport which I bought on sale at BabySteals.com (half off the normal price!). Love the Ergo. Was using it as a front carrier, but now Summer’s big enough to carry on my back. It is by far the most comfy carrier and definitely my favorite.

Oh my gosh I know those trails….I mean I KNOW those trails..as a child we rode them for hours and days on end from the time it got light until it was so dark we knew we were in trouble and in the summer we ran them at the crack of dawn! As we got older we took a few dirt bikes down them….when no one else was around and our parents were not home! I loved looking at the pictures and the ice cream…oh my no one does it better. Do they still have one called Traverse City fudge..if so have a scoop for me . I grew up there and it was a wonderful place to live. Enjoy the fresh air and the amazing sights all around you. There is no place else like Michigan. I have lived in 17 states (DH is a pastor) and some are close to my heart but none as wonderful as home…Michigan!! Oh I wish I were there now. I still have one daughter in westren Michigan and my parents live just a few miles from where you are!!

Carol,
Wow, that is so cool I am walking on the very same trails you spent so much time on. So fun. I have not seen Traverse City fudge ice-cream, but I will definitely eat a big scoop in your honor if I find it, and yes, MI is an amazing place. We love it here!